The quickest way to log out of Facebook

To log out of Facebook, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile or the top right on a computer, scroll down to "Log Out", and select it. Facebook will end your session when ready, and you'll return to the login screen. The next time someone uses that device, they'll need to enter a username and password to access the account.

This process takes about 10 seconds and works the same way whether you're using the Facebook app, the mobile website, or Facebook on a desktop computer. The only difference is where the menu button appears on your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Log out by finding the menu icon (three lines), scrolling to "Log Out", and selecting it on any device.
  • On phones and tablets, the menu icon is in the bottom right corner of the Facebook app; on computers, it's in the top right.
  • Logging out removes your account from that device completely, so the next user will need your password to get in.
  • If you forget to log out on a shared device, you can log out remotely from another device using Facebook's security settings.

Logging out on an iPhone or Android phone

Open the Facebook app and look at the bottom of your screen. You'll see five icons in a row — the last one on the far right is three horizontal lines (called a menu icon or hamburger menu). Tap it.

Scroll all the way down the menu that appears. You'll see "Log Out" near the bottom. Tap it, and Facebook will ask you to confirm. Select "Log Out" again, and you're done. Your account is now closed on that phone.

Logging out on a computer or tablet web browser

Go to Facebook.com in your web browser. In the top right corner, you'll see a small circle with your profile picture or a question mark inside it. Click it.

A dropdown menu will appear. Scroll down until you see "Log Out" at the bottom of the list. Click it. Your browser will take you back to the Facebook login page, and your account is no longer active on that computer.

Logging out when you can't access the device

If you logged in on someone else's phone or a public computer and forgot to log out, you don't have to panic. You can end that session from any other device where you have internet access.

Log into Facebook on a device you control. Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top right corner on desktop or bottom right on mobile. Select "Settings and Privacy", then "Settings". Scroll down and tap "Where You're Logged In" or "Active Sessions". You'll see a list of every device currently logged into your account, including the location and device type. Find the one you want to close, and select "Log Out" next to it. Facebook will when ready end that session.

Why you should log out on shared devices

When you stay logged in on a shared computer or phone, anyone who picks up that device can see your messages, photos, and personal information without entering a password. They can also post, comment, or message people as you.

Logging out takes 10 seconds and prevents someone from accidentally — or intentionally — accessing your account. It's especially important on devices at work, in libraries, at internet cafes, or in homes where other people have regular access.

What happens after you log out

Once you log out, Facebook closes your session on that device. Your messages, photos, and settings remain safe on Facebook's servers — logging out doesn't delete anything. The next person to use that device will see the Facebook login screen and won't be able to see your account unless they know your password.

If you log back in later on the same device, you may see an option to "Remember This Browser" or "Keep Me Logged In". Unchecking this box means you'll have to enter your password every time, which is safer on shared devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does logging out delete my Facebook account?

No. Logging out only closes your session on that device. Your account, messages, photos, and all your data stay on Facebook. You can log back in anytime with your username and password.

What's the difference between logging out and deactivating my account?

Logging out closes your session on one device. Deactivating temporarily hides your account from Facebook, and deleting permanently removes it. Logging out is what you do when you're finished using Facebook for the day on a particular device.

Can someone log back into my account if I just close the app without logging out?

Yes. Closing the app without logging out leaves your session active. Anyone with access to that device can open the Facebook app and use your account. Always tap "Log Out" from the menu instead of just closing the app.

I logged out but the device still shows my name at the top. Is it still logged in?

Check by opening the Facebook app or going to Facebook.com. If you see the login screen asking for a username and password, you're fully logged out. If you see your feed, you're still logged in and need to log out again.

Can I log out of Facebook on all devices at once?

Yes. Go to "Settings and Privacy", then "Settings", then "Where You're Logged In". Select "Log Out of All Sessions" or "Log Out of All Other Sessions" (the exact wording depends on your device). This ends your session everywhere except the device you're currently using.